Justin Levinson
Justin Levinson | |
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Background information | |
Born | Vergennes, Vermont,U.S. | September 9, 1985
Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
Instrument(s) | Vocals, piano, guitar, trumpet, trombone |
Years active | 2006–present |
Website | www |
Justin Levinsonis an American singer-songwriter fromVermont.
Music career
[edit]The son of singer-songwriter Bob Levinson, Justin Levinson grew up inVergennes.[1][2]In high school, he was introduced toLester BowieandFontella Bass,who were traveling on a grant to bring jazz to rural areas. He attendedBerklee College of Musicin Boston, accepted in part due to a letter of recommendation from Bowie.[3][4]He started out studying jazz trumpet, before switching to and getting his degree in songwriting.[5]
On his earlier releases, Levinson's sound has drawn many comparisons toBen Folds.[6][7]
1175 Boylston
[edit]Levinson released his first album,1175 Boylston,in 2006, while a student at Berklee.[2]On the album (which was named after Levinson's address at the time), he supplied the vocals and played piano, trumpet and trombone while his father played guitar, bass and drums on some tracks, with fellow Berklee student Adam Popick supplying the remaining instruments.[8]The single "City With Two Streetlights" spent eight weeks on theCMJTop 25 charts.[9]Faculty members of the Berklee songwriting department also voted the album's opening track “Sunny Day” the best song of the year.[10]Following the album's release, Levinson played the 2006 International Pop Overthrow Festival, and was named Best Male Artist at The 4th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards).[11][12]
Bury Your Love
[edit]In 2007, Levinson, by then a graduate of Berklee, released his second album,Bury Your Love.[2]Many reviews of this record noted the influence ofElton John.[13][14]The same year, he won the ASCAPLUS award and was a finalist in the USA Songwriting Competition.[15][16]
Predetermined Fate
[edit]Levinson's 2009 release,Predetermined Fate,had a more country-influenced style.[17][18]One single on the album, "Waiting For Someone To Love Me", was played heavily onSirius,and he was nominated for the Sirius singer-songwriter discovery of the year.[19][20]Another track, “Losing You To Tennessee”, was featured onVirgin Airlinesflights.[21]
This Side of Me, This Side of You
[edit]In 2012, Levinson releasedThis Side of Me, This Side of You,his first album with his band, The Valcours.[22]The band is made up of Sean Witters on guitar, Seth Barbiero on bass, Josh Glass on organ and synthesizer, and Simon Plumpton on drums and sampler, with Levinson writing the songs, and the group writing the arrangements.[23]Levinson plays piano and provides vocals.[24]The album included a number of guest contributions as well.[25]Boston-based recording artistWill Daileyappeared on the track "Let You Go", Burlington singer/songwriterGregory Douglasscontributed to "Love You Goodbye", andLiz Longleywas on "I Was So Wrong."[26][27][28]
Take My Time
[edit]In 2013, Levinson released the three-song EPTake My Time.[29]Noted in reviews as a slight departure from his work with the Valcours, the EP took a more country-influenced turn on the third and final track, “Bid The Rest Goodbye”, which employs steel guitars and fiddles.[30][31]
Yes Man
[edit]Early 2017, Justin Levinson released his fifth studio albumYes Man.The album was produced by Adam Popick. After touring California, he was invited bySongs & Whispers,a European booking agency, to tour Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium.[32][33][34]
During 2018, Justin Levinson collaborated withAnna Nalickon a new single titledA Part of Me.[35]
Collamer Circle
[edit]Collamer Circleis the fifth full-length studio album by Justin Levinson, marking his return to the music scene after a six-year hiatus. Released in 2023, the album is a culmination of Levinson's journey as an artist, reflecting his growth and evolution both personally and musically. The album showcases a blend of power-pop, soft rock, and introspective lyricism, all of which are underscored by Levinson's signature storytelling and melodic sensibility.[36][37]
Collamer Circle has been praised by critics as Levinson’s most accomplished work to date. Reviewers have highlighted the album’s rich melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and the seamless integration of various musical styles. The collaboration between Levinson andBen Pattonhas been lauded for bringing out the best in both songwriters, resulting in an album that feels both nostalgic and fresh.[38][39]
Live performances
[edit]Levinson has played live in support ofApollo Sunshine,Serena Ryder,The Verve Pipe,Big Head Todd and the Monsters,Matt Wertz,Chris Barronof theSpin Doctors,Grand ArchivesandZox.[40][41]He toured withOne Tree Hillstar and singer-songwriterTyler Hilton.[42][43]He has toured withAaron Carter,opening on select dates of theAfter Party Tour,as well as withTeddy GeigerandHowie Day.[44][45]He has appeared atNXNEand the BostonInternational Pop Overthrow.[46][47]He has also made television performances, including on Bangor's WLBZ, Connecticut's WTNH, Backstage With Barry Nolan (Comcast), The 10 Show! (NBC Philadelphia), NECN Morning News, Fox 44 Boston, Plum TV on Martha’s Vineyard and Late Night Saturday WCAX Burlington, Vermont.[48][49][50]
Film industry
[edit]Levinson wrote and performed a song for the 2013 filmThe Den,entitled "Love You Goodbye".[51]
Work with Champlain Community Services
[edit]Levinson works for Champlain Community Services, an organization dedicated to help provide services and self-advocacy to developmentally disabled adults.[52]He facilitates a show calledThe Advocacy Team,which airs on Vermont Community Access Media.[53]The show features clients of Champlain Community Services interviewing local celebrities.[54]
Discography
[edit]Artist | Title | Format | Label | Year |
---|---|---|---|---|
Justin Levinson | 1175 Boylston | CD | OutTake Records | 2006 |
Justin Levinson | Bury Your Love | CD | OutTake Records | 2007 |
Justin Levinson | Predetermined Fate | CD | None | 2009 |
Justin Levinson & The Valcours | This Side of Me, This Side of You | CD | Justin Levinson & The Valcours | 2012 |
Justin Levinson | Take My Time | CD EP | Justin Levinson | 2013 |
Justin Levinson | Yes Man | CD | Justin Levinson | 2017 |
Justin Levinson | Collamer Circle | CD | Justin Levinson | 2023 |
References
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Lester Bowie and Motown legend Fontella Bass. They were both on a grant to bring jazz to rural areas and they happened to come to Vergennes, VT, where I was in school
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- ^"New Jersey Folk Festival".Njfolkfest.rutgers.edu. 2011-12-15.Retrieved2013-08-12.
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{{cite web}}
:CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^"First Night Burlington".First Night Burlington. Archived fromthe originalon 2013-12-26.Retrieved2013-08-12.
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- ^"Music Video Premiere – Justin Levinson's Homewrecking Machine".Huffington Post. 2017-02-16.Retrieved2017-12-31.
- ^"Justin Levinson displays essential piano pop on Together Forever".Glide Magazine. 2017-01-19.Retrieved2017-12-31.
- ^"Justin Levinson: Songwriter-Pop der Extraklasse".Kreiszeitung. 2017-10-05.Retrieved2017-12-31.
- ^"Premiere: Walk The Rainy Day Streets with Justin Levinson to his Jazzy" A Part Of Me "(Ft. Anna Nalick)".Atwood Magazine. 2018-10-16.Retrieved2019-01-05.
- ^Patrick, Natalie."Justin Levinson returns with his latest album" Collamer Circle "".Earmilk.Retrieved3 September2024.
- ^Rae, Jimmy."Justin Levinson Invites US to 'Collamer Circle'".Skope Mag.Retrieved3 September2024.
- ^The Blogger, Chris."Justin Levinson's" Collamer Circle "is a Sonic Masterpiece".Music Arena GH.Retrieved3 September2024.
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- ^+ Post an Event!."Grand Archives, Sera Cahoone, Justin Levinson | Seven Days".7dvt.com.Retrieved2013-08-13.
- ^Caitlin (October 4, 2012)."Show Review: Tyler Hilton at Il Motore".Confront Magazine. Archived from the original on April 18, 2014.Retrieved2013-08-11.
{{cite web}}
:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^"Justin Levinson: Take My Time | Free Music Download".Noisetrade.com.Retrieved2013-08-12.
- ^Photo: Emily Slack."Pop star Aaron Carter remixes his image on After Party tour | The NewsHouse | Syracuse University and Community News - S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications".The NewsHouse.Retrieved2013-08-13.
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- ^"NXNE 2012 Canada Music Festivals".Soundandscene.com. 2012-06-17.Retrieved2013-08-12.
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- ^"Singer/Songwriter Justin Levinson | Video".Wlbz2.com. Archived fromthe originalon 2014-04-18.Retrieved2013-08-12.
- ^"Stage 8 Presents: Justin Levinson".Wtnh.com. 2013-01-29.Retrieved2013-08-12.
- ^"Justin Levinson & The Valcours | XMR.fm".Xmrradio.com.Retrieved2013-08-12.
- ^Webster, Andy (13 March 2014)."'The Den' Explores a Web-Based Murder ".The New York Times– via NYTimes.com.
- ^"Champlain Community Services » » Self Advocacy".Ccs-vt.org.Retrieved2013-08-12.
- ^"vermontcam.org".vermontcam.org.Retrieved2013-08-12.
- ^"The Advocacy Team - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports".Wcax.com.Retrieved2013-08-12.